129 ^ I 

B5 B6 
opy 1 



v> ^ "^ ^ 



1 6 ^ -oat^Q^s Trusted in m, 86 



BI-CENTENNIAL 

OF THE 

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 

IN 
NEW-YORK. 



NOVEMBER iOTH, 1886. 



^'^'^^ forth ThiipraiBB to ^^^^'''' 

18 86 



JiiT 1 Ag^fc n arn p-\:oT\^ K.T. Tre^sbvj "Varan, chw^T 



cri, 






HISTORICAL ADDRESS 



—AND- 



APPENDIX, 

BY ELDER H. P. HEDGES. 



OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH, 

OFFICERS AND TEACHERS OF THE SABBATH SCHOOL 

RESIDENT COMMUNICANTS. 

SOCIETIES FOR CHRISTIAN SERVICE, 



I'RINTED BY ORDER OF THE SESSION. 



E2xpress Steam Print, Sag- Harbor, N. Y, 






'0 6' 



BI-CENTENNIAL ADDRESS 

-BY— 

HON. H. P. HEDGES. 

[Published by Request.] 

Friends of Bkidge-ITampton : — The lara-est of all the 
pioneer waves that rolled over this Continent was the Puri- 
tan, striking Plymouth Rock ; it swelled in majestic momen- 
tum, moving to all points until movement became part of its 
very nature. The swing of the Pilgrim axe, year by year 
grew wider. The genius of tlie Puritan was constructive 
and self-reliant. Puritan colonies from the first were substan- 
tially self governed. Very early they declared to the world 
that " Governments are instituted among men deriving their 
just powers from the consent of the governed." But long, 
long years before this, the Puritan had disowned all ecclesias- 
tical subjection to Priest or Ilierarch, and insisted on the 
right of the people to organize and govern a church for them- 
selves. They declared for "a church without a Bishop," long 
before they declared for "a State without a King." Substan- 
tially they defined a church as " A company of believers in 
Christ associated together for the Public worship of God, for 
the observance of Christian ordinances, and for mutual aid 
and encouragement in all Christian duties." They believed 
the powers of church government inhered in tlie people as 
afterwards that the powers of Civil government so inhered. 
Both in Church and State, developed last in the latter, was 
the Puritan ideal that power to organize and govern churches 
and communities rightfully sprang from the people. In the 



2 BI-CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 

shining light of this Ideal, colonies were settled, churches and 
schools founded, governments instituted, and tlie ideal made 
practical on this Continent wherever the Puritan planted his 
feet. This ideal vvrougiit in the fi'ame of the Nation made it 
what it is. By such Puritans with such views, partly from 
East, but chiefly from Southampton, this church was formed. 
Thompson in his Plistory of Long Island, vol. L, p. 343, 
writes: ''By the act of May IGth, 1GC)9, the precinct of 
Bridge-PIampton and Mecox was declared a separate parish 
for the building, and erecting a Meeting House and to have 
and enjoy all the privileges and benefits of a distinct Parish." 
The same historian says, " Bridge-Hampton was at first called 
Feversham by the English." " The first Meeting House v^^as 
built in 1G7C." I do not find the record of the act of May 
Ifitli, 16G9, but think it hardly possible Thompson would 
state positively that such act passed unless he had good evi- 
dence thereof, and I assume that as an established fact. 
Prime says, (p. 199,) Bridge Hampton was made a distinct 
congregation nearly 30 years after the formation of the first 
settlement," and recognizes 1 G40 as the time of such settle- 
ment. Thus confirming the statement of Thompson. The 
question whether the first church was built in 1G70 or later, 
is even more difficult to decide. Tradition fixes the date as 
1670. Copying that tradition our church historians give that 
date. Prime fixes the date as "about the time of Mr. White's 
settlement," p. 109. Howeirs Hist, of Southampton, p. 130, 
fixes the date as probably IG95. The vote of Town Meeting 
of July 20, 1G8G, gave to Isaac Willman 12 acres of land, &c. 
He "to make over to the Town 4 pole wide of his land, but- 
ting to Sagaponack pond, all the whole length thereof," &c., 
" for a highway," and "also so much land more as will con- 
tain a Meeting House, lying to the said highway, to be about 
4 pole square about 1 \ pole from ye pond," &c., to which 
Willman agreed. Town Records vol. II., p. 110, 



BLCENTENNIAL ADD RE US. 3 

A vote for the whole Town to pny fifty pounds towards 
the building of a Bridge "over Sagaponack pond," passed the 
same day, and was confiniied by a Town Meeting held Aug. 
24, J6S6, ib. At this last meeting it was "voted that ye in- 
habitants of Mecox and Sagabonack, tliat is east ward of the 
Wading place be released from paying th(!ir proportion of the 
yearly maintenance of Mr. Wliiting from October next, upon 
condition that if they shall be without a minister there at 
Sagaponack for the space of a year, then they are to pay 
again to Mr. Whiting as formerly ; to Mr. Whiting or the 
minister then officiating in the Town." Vol. 2, Tov^n Rec- 
ords, p. 112. 

At the same meeting, " It is also concluded by major voat 
of the said Town that there shall be by November next, laid 
out forty acres of land somew^iere about Sagaponack or Me- 
cox, at the discretion of the layers out to lye for the townes 
use to dispose of hereafter as they shall see cause."— ib. 
There can be little doubt that this vote te lay out forty acres 
looked towards the assignment of land for a parsonage, which 
was followed by the vote to lay out sixty acres for that pur- 
pose in June 23d, 1691-ib. p. 125, and by the actual laying 
out as reported April 24th, 1694, ib. page ]29. 

The vote of July, 1686, acquiring land for the site of a 
Meeting House is in words looking to a building to be, rather 
than one already built, but not conclusively so. The vote to 
tax the whole town 50£ to build the Bridge, and the vote to 
release the people " East of the Wading Place" from paying 
rates to Mr. Whiting, all imply a church building already 
erected, or such progress toward it as assured its speedy com- 
pletion. In the vote as to paying rates it is significant that 
the release was conditioned to take effect "from October next," 
and the vote to lay out forty acres "by November next" is 
likewise significant and imply that then, if not before, the 
Meeting House would be ready for the minister to be called, 



4 BI-CENTENNIAL ADDRESS, 

and which calling, as the votes [show, was then expected. 
With all these concurring circumstances, we mny conclude a 
Meeting House was built by or before that time. It was lo- 
cated about " J4 rods" from Sagg pond, near the old and 
present Bridge, and on its western^side, in the lot now owned 
by Silas Tuttle, of West Hampton. The roof of this house 
was thatched at first. Therein was a fire place. It might 
have been, and probably was about 25 by 35 feet in size. 
Therein the people of Biidge-Hampton worshipped until i 737, 
and therein Minister White preached over forty years. 

The godly men who settled in Bridge-Hampton were prob- 
ably organized there as a Christian Churchj at' least as soon 
as they built their meeting house, and as soon as by vote of 
the town they were to be released from paying rates to Mr. 
Whiting provided they settled a minister. They were clear- 
ly in a condition to settle a minister, implying the existence 
of an organized church, which church in the Puritan ideal 
might exist even viithout a Minister or officers. Tradition 
tells that in earliest times the people of Bridge-Hampton went 
to the Southampton]_church by the Ocean shore when the 
Bay was not running and by the Wading place when^it was. 
Tradition ^further tells that the minister at Southampton 
sometimes preached in Bridge-Hampton, and the minister^in 
East-Hampton sometimes preached in Sag Harbor. ^ This 
was done before the two later colonies'supported ministers of 
themselves. Wliile in Southampton and East-Hampton 
churches, the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper |^was aaminis- 
tered in the morning service down to within about a quarter 
of a century; it was administered in both Sag Harbor and 
Bridge-Hampton invariably in the afternoon. It is a tradi- 
tion that this difierence of time arose from the necessity of 
the case, requiring the service of the same minister in one 
place in the forenoon of the Sabbath day, and in the other 
place in the afternoon. 



BI-CENTBNNIAL ADDRESS. 5 

All these circumstances^ including the traditions of the 
past so coi'roborated, warrant the conclusion that a church 
was organized in Biidge-Harapton at least as early, if not 
anterior to 16S6. A church to whom the minister in South- 
ampton sometimes preached and to whom he administered 
the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper. This state of things 
may have continued many years before the coming of Minis- 
ter White. Meetings for conference and prayer in private 
houses and churches by the devout minded were often holden 
without a minister, in early times, when the Sabbath was 
more sacredly observed than now. 

THE MEETING HOUSE OF 1737 IN BRIDGE-IIAMPTCN. 

"Southampton, April 5th, 1737. 
At an Election Meeting," &c., " Voted by ye town yt the 
people of Bridge-Hampton shall have liberty to build a Meet- 
ing House upon ye knowle on ye south side of Henry Wicks 
Land between Abram Howells House & Joshua Hildreth & it 
was a clear vote." Town records, vol. 3, p. C3. 
• This Meeting House was located about one-half in the 
street and the remainder in the enclosed lot about 30 rods 
east of the Esterbrook corner. The front door opened from 
the street opposite the pulpit, and at the east and west ends 
near the south corners were other doors. All these three 
doors opened directly into the audience room, there being no 
hall or vestibule. The church was a strong, heavily tim- 
bered building 38x54 feet not walled but ceiled with boards 
on tlie uprights and above. The posts projected within the 
ceiling some inches and were uncased but planed smooth. 
Large curved braces fi'om the posts to the girts above held 
the building firmly together, and these also were smoothly 
planed. Six turned pillars resting on stones beneath the 
floor supported the galleries. Above the ceiling was painted 
white with a blue cornice around the outside underneath and 



6 BI-CENTENJSTTAL ADDRESS. 

above the galleries. The uprights were painted yellow, ex- 
cept that the window casings were white and the inner doors 
black. 

The pulpit was panelled, painted green and retained that' 
color until 1817, when it was stained in imitation of mahog- 
any. In the centre was a semi-circular enlargement to ac- 
commodate the officiating minister. On its top in front was 
a dark colored cushion with tassels hanging from the corners. 
On the cushion was a large Bible, and on each side attached 
to the pulpit was a brass candlestick. The ascent to the 
pulpit was by a steep stairs — five steps — leading to a broader 
platform step, whereon the minister turning to the right, half 
around, opened the pulpit door and ascending two more steps 
entered the pulpit, the seat whereof was a naked board. Back 
of the pulpit was a window with two pilasters on each side. 
From the ceiling above the window secured by an iron rod 
fastened to the plate and its outer edge, hung the far-famed 
and indispensable sounding board. It was somewhat semi- 
circular with four angles projecting quite over the pulpit, and 
the most curious and singular piece of work in the house. 

In front of the pulpit was a small pew, the floor of which 
was raised to the level of the lowest pulpit stair. The front 
ofthispewwas panelled, and the only .seats were for one 
person on each side of the semi-circular enlargement of the 
pulpit. This was the Deacon's seat or pew, and was from 
age to age occupied by them who therein faced and over- 
looked the congregation. A Deacon in any other seat in 
time of public worship would have been deemed out of place. 

A board attached to the front of this pew by hinges and 
turned up to a level with its top was the Communion table 
which was secured in its place by two braces from the out- 
side to the panels underneath. 

The passage from the front door to the pulpit, called the 
broad aisle, divided the lower part of the house equally, and 



BI-CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 7 

one side was occupied exclusively by males aud the other by 
females. 

The seats were framed work of oak timber, very strong. 
On either side of the pulpit were the "short seats." On the 
side of the Broad Aisle the seats were called the "square 
bodies." In tiie different aisles were small seats for children. 
The gallery stairs were in the front corners of the house com- 
mencing near the end doors going toward the front about two 
thirds up and then turning abruptly toward the centre. 
There was a passage from the front door to the stairs leaving 
three seats next tiie ceiling which were occupied by colored 
people. 

There were no aisles in the galleries. The seats there 
were partitioned in front across the middle as the dividing 
line between the sexes. They were six in number,- extend- 
ing without a break along the sides and front of the House. 
Over the gallery stairs were pews square and with seats all 
around except at tlie door. Both above and below the seats 
were open and free. The assessors who fixed the rates to be 
paid the minister at the yearly meetings directed the place 
where heads of families should sit. The old and honored in 
front, and younger in the rear. Thus the young passed from 
the seats for children in the aisles below to those back in the 
galleries, then to the front seats there, then in advancing 
years to the seats in the rear below ; and if living to old age, 
moved perhaps to the very front. Thus it often happened 
that by successive changes from childhood to age persons 
had passed through the whole routine of seats from the small- 
est to the most honorable. When no rule of seating pre- 
vailed the elder often occupied the middle of the meeting- 
house, the younger deferring to them, took rear seats, and 
thus the rear became crowded and the front unoccupied. 
The order of seating while remedying this evil created an- 
other. Some thinking themselves as old, honorable, rich and 



8 BI-CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 

deserving as others who were preferred in seats, left the 
meeting-house entirely. So that in 1816 all the seats on the 
lower floor were removed, pews put in their place which 
were yearly hired at auction wherewith the minister was 
paid. Even this change so offended a few that they forsook 
attendance on the church. The separate seating of the sexes 
thus ceased. Without material change the interior of this 
meeting-house remained from 1816 until 1842 when it was 
taken down. It had stood through the latter years of Min- 
ister White, all the ministry of Pastors Brown and Wool- 
worth for 105 years. The first sermon by the first Pastor 
preached therein, was from the text : 2 Chron. vi : 18. The 
last by the Rev. Mr. Francis, June 12th, 1842, from Lev. 
xvi. 13. 

The last meeting held therein, was June 12th, 1542, when 
many converts at the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper united 
with the Chureh. Elder James H. Topping of those so unit- 
ing survives. 

In January, 1843,* the present church edifice wherein we 
w^orship, was dedicated. It is 50x68 feet, "and for simple 
beauty, chaste neatness, just proportions and absolute con 
venience, it is not exceeded by any church in the County." 

MINISTEK WHITE. 

Ebenezer White, the first minister settled in Bridge- 
Hampton, was born in ]6?2, and was the son of Ebenezer, 
born 1848, died Aug. 24th, 1703. The father is said to have 
married Hannah Wliite, believed to be the daughter of Pere- 
grine White, who was son of William White, the emigrant in 
the Mayflower, which Hannah was believed to be the mother 
of Ebenezer, the son. Minister White graduated at Harvard 
in 1692, and died Feb. 4th, 1756, in the 84th year of his 
age. He was ordained over the church here October 9th, 

(♦Prime has this date December, 1842, which is an error. Seep. 200.) 



SI-CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. « 

1695, but was actually here sometime previously. April 
17th, 1095, he purchased of Jonas Wood and wife, of Eliza- 
bethtown, in New Jersey, ten acres of land at Sagabonac, 
'^bounded North by land of Col. Henry Pierson, East and 
South by Highways^ and West by the street." This was the 
original homestead whereon now one of his descendants re- 
sides. Minister White was unquestionably ordained over the 
church by a council after the congregational order. lie offi- 
ciated as minister until his resignation, June 15th, 1748, 
some 53 years. He is said to have been an able and useful 
minister. 

MINISTER BROWX. 

The Rev. James Brown, the second minister settled in 
Bridge-Hampton, was born about 1720, and died April 22d, 
178S, aged about 08 years. He is reported to have been by 
one writer a native of Mendham, N. J., and by Thompson, in 
Hist, of Long Island, to have been a descendant of the Rev. 
Chad. Brown, of Rhode Island, and connected with the fami- 
ly made famous by Brown University. He graduated at Yale 
in 1747, was ordained over the church here June 15th, 1748, 
when Minister White resigned. Ebenezer Prime was moder- 
ator of the Presbytery at the ordination of Mr. Brown, and 
the exercises commenced with prayer by Mr. Azariah Horton. 
A sermon was preached by Rev. Sylvanus White, of South- 
ampton, from Titus ii. 7 and 8 vs. The Rev. Ebenezer 
White then resigned his pastorate. The Rev. Ebenezer Prime 
then propounded suitable questions to the Candidate and the 
people in their representative body, the Committee taking 
their mutual engagements on both sides, and then made the 
ordination prayer during the imposition of liands, and gave 
the charge. Mr. S. Buel gave the right Jiand of fellowship, 
Mr. Prime addressed an exhortation to tlie people, Mr. D. 
Youngs made the concluding prayer ; and after singing a 



10 BLCENTENNIAL ADDRmSS. 

Psalm, Mr. J. Brown, the Candidate ordained, pronounced 
the blessing. Minister Brown, in consequence of great bodily 
infirmities, resigned his charge March 27th, 1 775, but resided 
here on his farm now owned by George Strong, until his 
death. lie is said to have been " distinguished for great 
soundness in his theological views, and ably defended the 
great doctrines of the Reformation." I gather from tradition 
that he was of massive frame, melancholic temperament, difB- 
dent and distrustful of himself, of robust common sense, and 
very creditable scholarly attainments. October 23, 17 54, at 
Brookhaven, on occasion of the ordination of the Re/. Ben- 
jamin Talmage, Brown delivered the charge to the people. 
This charge in print is the only like memorial known to the 
writer. It is pregnant with good sense, has marks of schol- 
arship, good condensed logic, sound piety, accurate study of 
and appeal to the Scriptures, much modesty and diffidence. 
It is a production very creditable both to the head and heart 
of the author. Dr. Buel records the preaching of Brov^m in 
the great revival March 22d, 1764, at East-Hampton, from 
Isaiah Ixv. 24 : '*' And it shall come to pass that before they 
call I will answer ; and while they are yet speaking I will 
hear." — (Note ], see appendix.) 

MNISTER WOOLWOETII. 

The third pastor, Aaron Woolworth, D.D., was born at 
Long Meadow, Mass., October 25, 1763, and died April 4th, 
1S21. He graduated at Yale in 1784, and received the de- 
gree of D.D. from Princeton in 1S09. Our church records 
and the monument to his memory record his ordination as 
occurring Aug. 30th, 1787. Prime's Hist. p. 201, gives the 
same date. On tlie following page in Prime the inscription 
on the monument was erroneously printed April 30th, 1787, 
and Sprague in his Annals of the American Pulpit repeated 
the error. He was ordained by an ecclesiastical Council at 



ni.CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 11 

which were present as delegates Eev. Samuel Buel and Mr. 
David Talmage from East-PIumpton, Rev. Henry Channing 
of New London, Ct., Rev. Joshua Williams and Mr. Elias 
Pelletrcau of Southampton, Rev. Zechariah Greene of Cutch- 
ogue, Rev. Richard S. Storrs and Mr. Azariah Woolworth of 
Long Meadow, Mass , Rev. Samuel Austin of Nev/ Haven, Ct. 
Mr. Channing was moderator and Austin scribe, Rev. Samuel 
Buel preaclied the sermon, Mr. Greene offered the first prayer, 
Mr. Austin the ordaining prayer, Mr. Channing gave the 
charge, Mr. Storrs t!ie right hand of fellowship, and Mr. Wil- 
liams made the concluding prayer. Dr. Woolworth was 
small in statue, not prepossessing in appearance ; yet all 
authorities concur in declaring that " He was one of the 
most able, discriminating and pious divines that Long Island 
was ever blessed with." Prime speaks of his epitaph as 
written by the hand of friendship, and adds : " He was all 
that therein is claimed on his behalf." It is said that Prime 
was its author. 

Dr. Woolworth was a man of very great intellectual ac- 
tivity and untiring industry. Pie assisted students in pre- 
paring for the ministry. He taught many students the classic 
languages. He wrote with apparent ease, grace and power. 
In ISOO he communicated a long and interesting account of 
the Revival here of 1799 and ISOO, which was published in 
the Connecticut Evangelical Magazine of the latter year, and 
a somewhat similar account of the same Revival published in 
connection with the life and writings of Samuel Buel, D. D., 
about the same time. His hold on the affection and esteem 
of his people was very strong. When after a pastorate of 
about 34 years, he was borne to his tomb by them, their re- 
gret and reverence were heartfelt. Tlieir gratitude and love 
as a tribute to his memory and worth are indelibly inscribed 
by them upon his monument. In the fervency of his prayers 
he was happy — in his strong faith singularly pre-eminent. 



12 Bl-CENTENNIAL ADDMES& 

An aged person many years since related to the writer an 
account of the Doctor's prayer for the recovery of an only 
son of a friend at Sag Harbor, then apparently in impending- 
death. He prayed as Jacob did, ''I will not let Thee go ex- 
cept Thou bless me," and added that the young man recov- 
ered. — (Note 2, see appendix.) 

MINISTER FRANCIS. 

The Rev. Amzi Francis was born at West Hartford, Conn., 
July 31st, 1793, commenced preaching here in September, 
1S22, was ordained pastor April 17th, 1523, and died here 
October ISth, 1845. The day previous to his ordination his 
examination by the Presbytery, met at Southampton, was 
sustained. At the ordination the Rev. Zechariah Greene 
presided. The Rev. Abraham Luce made the introductory 
prayer, the Rev. Ezra King preached the sermon. The Rev. 
Lathrop Thompson made the succeeding prayer, Rev. Na- 
thaniel Prime gave the charge to the Candidate, and Rev. 
Samuel Robinson gave the charge to the people. The Rev. 
Ebenezer Phillips made the closing prayer. Mr. Francis was 
of small stature, nervous temperament, his large speaking 
black eyes denoted intellectual and sympathetic action. He 
was scholarly in habit and appearance, studious, industrious, 
devout, intensely in earnest, spiritual, meditative, logical, 
small, one of God's ow^n uncomplaining, patient, self-denying 
saints. The writer herein speaks from living heartfelt experi- 
ence and knowledge. 

REV. CORNELIUS H. EDGAR, D. 1). 

The Rev. Cornelius H. Edgar, D.D., was born at Rahway, 
N. J., in 1811, and died in Easton, Penn., December 

23d, 1SS4. His first sermon in Bridge-Hampton was deliv- 
ered November 23tl, 1S45. He was installed and ordained 
here June 10th, 1846. Mr. Harlow, of Philadelphia, intro- 



BI-CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 18 

duced the ordination oxercises ; Mr. Edwards, of Smithtown, 
preached the sermon from the text : Acts x., 43. The Mod- 
erator, Rev. Mr. Evans, of Middletown, L I., put the consti- 
tutional questions ; the ordaining prayer was made by tlie 
Rev. Samuel R. Ely, of East-Hampton ; the charge to the 
Pastor was given by the Rev. Mr. McDougall, of Huntington ; 
the charge to the people was given by the Rev. H. N. Wil- 
son, of Southampton, the Moderator made the concluding 
prayer, and the Pastor pronounced the benediction. Mr. 
Edgar remained pastor here until his resignation October vd, 
1S53. He was tall, of commanding presence, in form sym- 
metric, in gesture graceful, constitutionally positive, no trim- 
mer, no idler. As a sermonizer ho excelled. He was in 
manner impressive, in thought rich, logical, suggestive. A 
sound, strong, earnest, honest preacher of Jesus Christ. He 
did good work for the Master here. 

REV. DAVID M. MILLER. 

The Rev. David M. Miller was born in Elizabethtown, N. J., 
June 12th, 1S27, and died here June 29th, 1S55. PTe was 
ordained here April 27th, 1S54. The order of exercises were : 
Invocation by the moderator. Rev. Mr. Morgan, of South- 
ampton ; reading of the Scriptures and prayer by the Rev. 
Mr. Mott, of Rahway, N. J.; sermon by the Rev. Dr. Murray, 
of Elizabethtown, N. J.; constitutional questions by Rev. 
Mr. Morgan ; ordaining prayer by Rev. Dr. Murray ; charge 
to the pastor by the Rev. Mr. Reeve, of West Hampton, and 
charge to the people by the Rev. Mr. Hopper, of Sag Harbor ; 
concluding prayer by the Rev. Mr. Mershon, of East-Hampton, 
and Benediction by the Pastor. Sliortly before his death lie 
was married to the only daughter of Hon. Hugh Halsey. 
His ministry gave promise of great usefulness, and attracted 
the strong affection and love of his people. His early death 
cut off the budding promise of his ministry. His funeral 



14 BI-CENTENNIAL ABBBESS. 

sermon was preached here by Dr,"Murr«y, July 1st, 1S5-5, 
and publislied. 

REV. THOMAS M. GRAY. 

Tlie Rev. Thomas M. Gray, son of Rev. John Gray, D. D., 
of ^Easton, Penn., was a graduate of Lafayette College in 
lS-31, and afterwards of Princeton Theological Seminar3\ He 
died at Salem Centre, N. J., December 24th, 1SS3, in the 
54th year of his age. He jireached here first Jan. 20th, 185G, 
from the text Luke x., 36 and 37 vs.: " Which now of these 
t'lree thinkest thou was neighbor unto him that fell among 
the thieves," &c. He was installed here April 23d, 1S5G. 
The invocation was asked by the Rev. Mr. Drake, of Middle 
Island, the moderator ; reading of the Scriptures and prayer 
by Rev. Gaylord S. More, of Babylon ; sermon by Rev. Dr. 
Gray, of Easton, Penn.; constitutional questions and ordain- 
ing prayer by the Moderator ; charges to the Pastor by the 
Rev. Mr. More ; charge to the people by the Rev. Mr. Mer- 
shon, of East-Hampton ; Benediction by the Rev. Dr. Gray, 
ofEaston. Tne pastoral relation of Thomas M. Gray with 
tills church was dissolved April J 0th, ISGG. As a compan- 
ion few men were more amiable, more genial, more social or 
of more pleasing manners than Mr. Gray. After leaving 
]3ridge-Hampton he preached in Derby, Conn., in Salem, 
Westchester County, N. Y. and its vicinity where he died. 

WM. r. STRICKLAND, D. D. 

Wilham P. Strickland, D.D.,'was born August 17tii, ISOO, 
at Pittsburgh, Penn., and died July 15th, 1SS4, at Ocean 
Grove, N. J. He was a graduate of [the College at Athens, 
Oliio, and in his 44th year received therefrom the degree of 
D.D. He was an industrious, accurate, profound scholar, 
and the author of many published volumes, including " A 
History of the American Bible Society," *' Christianity Dera- 



BI-CEWTENNIAL ADDRESS. it 

oiistratetl," '"Genius and Mission of Methodism," " Pioneers 
of tlie West," '^Manual of Biblical Literature," ''Life of Peter 
Cartwright," and other works. He was trained in the Pres- 
byterian Church where his father was an elder and his mother 
a member. He said he was theologically Presbyterian, but 
entered the Methodist Church because he regarded its spirit 
as more intensely revival. He supplied tiiis pulpit from 
May 13th, ISGO, until October oth, 1S7-5. when he was duly 
installed by the Presbytery. The Rev. Thomas Harries was 
moderator. Rev. Andrew Shihuid preached the sermon, Rev. 
Mr. Stokes gave the cluirge to the pastor, and Mr. Sproule to 
the people. Except a vacation of some six months in 187G 
and 1S77, when tiie pulpit was supplied by Rev. Wm. F. 
Whitaker, he preached until October iJ-Jd, 1S7S, when at his 
rerpiest on account of failing health he was released. He was 
spiritual, pure minded, of a lofty type, eloquent, impressive. 
Thus for twelve years he lifted and taught this people. Now 

we must ask : 

"What to shut eyes has God revealed ? 

What hear the cr.rs that death has sealed ? 

What uudreamed beauty passing show 

Requites the loss of all we know ? 

O, sileut land to which we move, 

Enough, if there alone bo love 

And mortal hand can ne'er outgrow 

What it is waiting to bestow ! 

O, white soul ! from that far off shore 

Fioi.t some sweet song the waters o'er. 

Cur faith confirm, our fears dispel, 

Wiih the old voice we loved so well I" 
The Rev, Samuel Dodd supplied this pulpit for tiie tiiree 
years preceding May ]st, 1SS2. Thereafter for a time the 

pulpit was supplied successively by the Rev. Mr. Schafl', 

the Rev. Mr. Frissell and the Rev. Giles P. Hawley 

now deceased, until just previous to March 1st, ISS3, when 
the present pastor, Rev. Arthur Newman, was by Presbytery 
ordained and installed. The Rev. Wm. B. Reeve, D.D., was 



iG BI-CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 

moderator. The opening prayer was offered by Rev. J. B. 
Finch, the ordainirg prayer by the moderator, and the closing 
prayer by the Rev. Mr. Bowdish of the M. E. Church here. 
The Kev. J. D. Stokes preached the sermon, and gave the 
charge to the people. Rev. A. Shiland, D.D,, delivered the 
charge to the pastor, who closed the services with the Bene- 
diction. 

Minister White dying in midwinter was buried by his 
people in tlie old Sagg burying ground. 

"When tbey laid his cold corpse low 

In its dark narrow cell 
Heavy the mingled earth and snow 

Upon his coffin fell.'' 

When in the last days of autumn 1775, Minister Paine, 
shepherd of the separate flock expired, his loving people rev- 
erently laid his mortal remains in the Hay Ground place of 
burying near their meeting-house. 

When in IGSS, Minister Brown, the long time victim of 
disease, finally gave up his life ] liis people tenderly laid his 
body at rest in the now much neglected burying ground at 
Scuttle Hole. 

All that was mortal of Woolworth and Francis and Miller, 

was deposited by their sorrowing people in the cemetery 

near this church. — Note 3, see appendix. 

"They who die in Christ are blessed. 

Ours be then no thought of grieving ! 

Sweetly with their God they rest. 

All their toils and troubles leaving ; 

So be ours the faith that saveth, 

Hope that every trial braveth 

Love that to the end endureth 

And through Christ the Crown secureth." 

Tills church was probably Congregational until 1747. The 
condition of the gift of the 20 acre parsonage on the corner 
owned by Wm. H. II. Rogers, made March 20th, 1712-13: 
f* to Bridge-Hampton for ye use of a Prisbiterian Minister & 



BI-CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 17 

Noe other," seems to have been disregarded. Records vol. 2, 
p. 174. Although Minister Brown was ordained by the 
Presbyter}-, Woolworth was ordained by a council ; the 
people then believing the connection with Presbytery dis- 
solved, but were thereafter otherwise informed. From 1775 
until 1794, no known vote of the church decided positively 
for such coimection. The union was voted in the summer of 
that year and has continued. The circumstances were pecu- 
liar. The Separate Congregational Church was in being and 
many people preferred that form of Government. No Elders 
were elected until ISOl, when four were chosen. Three 
more were elected in 1S03. Not one of these seven was ever 
ordained, but acted without it. In ]SJ1 six others were 
chosen who were the first ordained as snch. The four elders 
of ISOl were Ebenezer White, who died the next year; Da- 
vid Hedges mentioned in the centennial Historical Address of 
187G. These two had been many years deacons ; Jonathan 
Rogers and Ezekiel Sandford were the other two elders. 
Rogers was a man of unusual powers of mind, long time a 
professor of religion outside the church, devout, wise in coun- 
cil, at one time a Judge of the Suffolk County Common 
Pleas. Sandford had been a member of the Separate Church 
He was eminent in the gifts of singing, exhortation and 
prayer. It is said the meetings he attended were always in- 
teresting. These four first elders all men of mark and might, 
working v.-ith Woolworth wonderfully strengthened this 
church. The three elders of 1803 were Lemuel Pierson, Syl- 
vanus Halsey and Lewis Sandford. The want of time pro- 
hibits more than mention of their names. It is believed that 
the session of this church have chiefly been good, prudent, 
sensible, devout men, not inferior to that of other churches. 
(Note 4, see appendix.) It is feared that one of their num- 
ber, some sixty years since, fell through intemperance. Yet 
another elder stands out as a warning. Jesse Woodruff, 



18 BI-OENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 

elected as such in 1820, dying in 1857 at the great age of 9-J 
years, fell into despondency and darkness and gloom, absent- 
ing himself from the public worship of God for thirteen j^ears. 
Thereafter, on the 4th of September, 1851, over his own sig- 
nature he publicly records the deeply affecting confession of 
liis walking in sin and darkness. The wail of woe he utters 
is the echo of a past despair. Ilis confession to his brethren 
expresses the deepest liumility and penitence. His petition 
for permission once more to sit with them at the Sacramental 
Table seems tremulous with anxiety. This cry of a soul long 
in darkness, tempest tossed in doubt and fear, for a rest and 
peace unfelt is most pitiful. Luminous in this deep felt con- 
fesfjion are the honesty, the intelligence, the agony of the 
man evidently in the words his soul prompted. In the like 
dark case may the like inspiration and desire to seek the 
Lord as "our refuge and strength" be ours, — (Note 5, see ap- 
pendix.) He seemed gradually coming out of darkness there- 
after, and very often attended public worship with more 
apparent hope and light until his death. 

ITINERANT PBEACHING. 

Itinerant preaching was far more frequent in olden times 
than now. Itinerant ministers preached in churches and 
then often in private houses. Whitfield returned from his 
journey in New England, proposed to the Rev. Gilbert Ten- 
nent, of the Log College, to journey East, preaching to water 
the seed he had sown. The proposition was submitted to 
some ministers then attending the Synod in session at Tren-- 
ton. New Jersey, who approved of it. About 1741 Tennent 
came to Bridge-Hampton, holding as is said, the first even- 
ing meeting ever held there. His first sermon preached was 
from the text Matt, v : 20. "Except your righteousness shall 
exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees ye shall 
in no case enter into the Kingdom of Heaven." One who 



Bl-GENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 19 

heard this sermon, related to Deacon Stephen Rose an ac- 
count of its astonishing impression, which account Deacon 
Rose reduced to writing. Tennent sketched the righteous- 
ness of the Pharisees as consisting in prayers and observance 
of rites and ceremonies. He presented with great power and 
effect the doctrine of Regeneration as exceeding the righteous- 
ness of the Scribes and Pharisees. While delivering this ser- 
mon he discovered some girls in the front seat of the gallery- 
whispering and trifling and spoke severely : "You, young 
women ! you sit there whispering and laughing when Damna- 
tion is sounding in your ears." It is said these words went 
to their hearts with such power that they had no peace of 
mind until they were converted. The truth spoken by Ten- 
nent aroused many to great heart searchings. They said, 
" What preaching is this ? what does it mean ? we will en- 
quire of our aged minister about it." I^Ir. White seemed re- 
luctant to express any opinion concerning it, but finally said : 
'^Ple sows good seed but harrows it in very roughly." 

Tennent was followed by many others, and after hira itin- 
erant preaching became quite common. 

NEW LIGHT MOVEMENT. 

What was called the New Light Movement in Bridge- 
Hampton arose under the agency of the Rev. James Daven- 
port, fourth minister of the church in Southold. He was the 
great-grandson of the Rev. John Davenport, of New Haven, 
was born in 1710, graduated at Yale in 1732, was ordained 
in Southold, Oct. 26, 173S, and dismissed from there in 174G. 
Davenport was an intimate friend of Ferris, a wild enthusiast 
who "claimed to know the Will of God in all things ; that he 
had not committed a sin in six years ; that he should have 
a higher seat in Heaven than Moses, and that not one in ten 
of the communicants of the clmrch in New Haven could be 
saved." Ferris obtained an ascendency over several students 



20 BI-CENTENNIAL ADDRESS, 

and especially over Davenport. Some two years after his 
settlement in Southold, Davenport became "'satisfied that 
God had revealed to him that His Kingdom was coming with 
great power, and that he had an extraordinary call to labor 
for its advancement." On one occasion he addressed his 
people continuously for nearly 24 hours until he became quite 
wild. In public services he raised his voice to the higliest 
pitch, and that was accompanied with the most vehement 
agitations of body. His hearers were encouraged to express 
their distress or joy by violent outcries in public assemblies. 
And these things he pronounced tokens of the presence of 
God. He encouraged ignorant persons to address large as- 
semblies. Pie claimed a right to sit in judgment on the 
character of ministers, and after examining them in private, 
often in his public prayers pronounced them unconverted, and 
so pronounced on those who refused to be examined. He in- 
formed the people that their ministers were unconverted and 
sometimes exhorted them to eject them. He encouraged dis- 
satisfied minorities to form new churches. To this ardent, 
energetic, impulsive, deluded man, more than to all others, 
the New Light Movement in Bridge-Hampton must be 
ascribed. Under his influence a church known as the Sepa- 
rate or "New Light Church" was organized, and a church 
building erected about 174S. It had four roofs coming to a 
point in the middle, and hence was sometimes called "the 
peaked" or "picked church." It stood a few rods south of 
the Hay Ground burying ground on the west side of the road 
leading south by the dwelling of Elbert Rose to Mecox. 
Elisha Paine was settled over this church in 1752, and died 
here in 1775 at the age of S3 years. The church was dis- 
banded, the building taken down and removed soon after the 
year 1800. It is now used as a dwelling and stands next 
south of the schoolhouse in the middle district, and is owned 
by Mrs. Mary C. Wprthington. At this distance of time, in 



BLGENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 21 

the absence of records, with a history written only by its 
foes, we may not clearly estimate the merits of the "New 
Light Movement." To some extent it seemed to be a pro- 
test of the activities of the church against its inaction. But 
its wild, unregulated, disorderly action prevented its progress 
and promoted its decay. Its bitter divisions weakened the 
power of tlie church. The darkness of a belligerent spirit 
extinguished the lights of Peace. Most disastrous for the 
good of the Parish was this new movement. 

Deacon Stephen Kose was more fully versed in local and 
church history than any other individual known to the writer. 
He said : " Many spiritual minded godly persons, and espec- 
ially many very excellent women belonged to the Separate 
Church." He spoke of their intense zeal, fervent devotion, 
purity of life, earnestness of purpose and spirituality of soul 
n terms so strong as to leave no doubt that he believed the 
"Separate Branch" in Bridge Hampton was a branch of the 
true "vine." 

CUSTOMS DISUSED. 

Many customs of our Puritan Fathers in the church are 
now disused. Historic truth requires their mention. 

FASTS AND THANKSGIVING. 

The set days for Fasts and Feasts directed to be observed 
by the Church of Rome or the Church of England were not 
observed by our Fathers, who appointed such days for them- 
selves. In the early settlements of this country dependence 
on an Almighty Power was deeply felt. When danger from 
the savage natives threatened, when epidemic disease raged, 
when long drouth betokened famine, then and often days 
were set apart for fasting humiliation and prayer. As their 
Thanksgiving has become a National appointment, so for 
many years and until recently their fast days gave place to 



22 BLCENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 

one annual observance in the month of March continued down 
to the middle of this century. These days were not appoint- 
ed here as in New England by the Government, but by the 
several churches. They were very generally sacredly kept 
by the Inhabitants. Although "servile labor" on those days 
was not prohibited by law, it was almost universally by the 
custom of the people. 

STOPPING THE CHURCH. 

The minister, in olden times, at the close of service gave 
Notice lilie this : "The mile members of this church are re- 
quested to tarry after the blessing is pronounced." 

Such meetings called "staid meetings," were often held. 
Therein were appointed days of Fasting and Thanksgiving ; 
therein delegates were chosen to attend the Presbytery. The 
acts and records of the session were read to the people at 
these meetings for their approval. At these occasions meas- 
ures were taken to promote singing in the church. The 
hour of public worship and the intervening intermission were 
then and there arranged. Many other like matters pertain- 
ing to the church and public worship were there decided. 

PEAYER FOR THE AFFLICTED. 

From time immemoiial until quite recently it had been a 
custom for the near relatives of a deceased person to request 
the prayers of the church that the death might be sanctified 
to them for their spiritual and everlasting good. On a Sab- 
bath one or more after the funeral, according to an under- 
standing, the family and near relatives sitting together clad 
in mourning rose when the minister read the request for 
prayers. The occasion was impressive in solemnity. The 
minister praying before the sermon implored the blessing of 
God on His people, on His cause, His church. His worship. 
When tenderly, devoutly, reverently he implored God to 



BI.CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 23 

pour the balm of Divine consolation into tlie wounded liearts 
of fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends 
in words appropriate to the conditions of the case ; when if 
any relative were far oft' on land or sea, he asked God to give 
them grace to bear the sad tidings 5 when w'ith devout com- 
posure he asked that this dispensation of God's Providence 
might be sanctified to the more remote relatives, and finally 
to the whole church and congregation ; tlien it was felt that 
the sorrows of one household were those of all. Then the 
help of the Divine Father the only reliance of all. Then the 
minister became the audible intercessor for all. The sym- 
pathy of a Puritan people with their brethren in distress and 
affliction was strangely tender and heartfelt. They made 
their God a witness to this. Does the disuse of this custom 
prove more sympathy now flowing in the hearts of their souls? 

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK AND RETURNING THANKS FOR RESTORA- 
TI(;N to HEALTH. 

In severe illness it was an old time practice to request the 
prayers of the church and congregation, that the sick might 
if consistent with the Divine Will be restored to health or be 
prepared to die. The family and friends of the sick united in 
this request which was read from the pulpit before the prayer 
j)receding the sermon. The minister wrestled in great earn- 
estness witli God as the Great Physician of soul and body, 
praying for the restoration of the sick to health, and in pro- 
tracted sickness prayers were so offered for several consecu- 
tive Sabbaths. These requests for prayer would be remem- 
bered at the prayer-meetings and generally at the fiimily altar 
so that the illness was known all over the Parish, and the 
sympathy of the whole community extended to the sick. 

When restored to health after severe illness a like request 
that the minister and church and congregation offer thanks to 
God for the preservation of life and restoration to health was 



24 BI-CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 

m.'ido. The request was usually read, and tlianks to God iu 
prayer offered in Divine worship. With few exceptions tliis 
was a very general ancient practice. 

TRAYERS FOR SEAMEN BEFORE AND AFTER A VOYAGE, AND 
THANKS FOR DANGERS ESCAPED. 

In the early annals of the church it was a practice for the 
seamen and officers on the Sabbatli before sailing to attend in 
the house of God and desire the prayers of the church and 
congregation to the God of the seas for their safety. On 
their return from the voyage they again presented themselves 
in the sanctuary when pubhc thanks to God were ofl^ered for 
their preservation. 

When one or a number of persons in pursuing their avoca- 
tions were endangered in life or limb their preservation in 
danger was noticed on the next Sabbath. Thanks that in 
the providence of God they were delivered from impending 
jeopardy were publicly rendered. 

PUBLICATION OF THE BANNS OF MATRIMONY. 

Tlic Duke's Laws required pubhcation of the banns of 
matrimony by the minister, previously, or in place thereof 
the Governor's Hcense authorizing the marriage to be solemn- 
ized. This publication of intended marriage between the 
parties named was termed "calling off." And after Sabbath 
meetings inquiry was often made, "Who were called oft'." 
The sentiment of the community, the practice of other Puritan 
colonies, and the requirements of law all constrained to this 
practice. 

PROPOUNDING. 

When after examination approved by the session, candi- 
dates were admitted to the church, notice of such proposed 
union was publicly given by the minister. This notice was 



b:f.oentennjal addresb. th 

given some one or more Sabbaths previous to their public 
profession of faitli and covenant. It was given upon the 
theory tliat objection, if any, might h\i made to the candidate 
and the examination reconsidered. It was a custom of the 
Congregational churches, perpetuated in this and adjoining 
churches, and until late years deemed indispensable; so 
much so that when the writer was proposed as a member 
objection was made that he had not been "propounded" as 
the notice was called. 

"The religious female Cent Society of Bridge-Hampton" 
was instituted July 6th, 181 o, at the house of Dr. Wool- 
worth, who efficiently aided the society in its commencement 
and continuance. 

The records of this society for some thirty years are ex- 
tant. The society often met at Dr. Woolworth's house, 
sometimes at the church, when once he preached a sermon, 
Oct. 22d, 1S17, from the text Phillippians iv : 3, At first 
the society numbered 33, and soon increased to 54 members, 
and thereafter to nearly one hundred. It received great en- 
couragement from the Rev. Mr. Francis. It corresponded 
with other like societies on Shelter Island and elsewhere. It 
kept the missionary fire burning on God's Altar. It was the 
mother of succeeding benevolent societies that have been so 
creat blessino-s to this church and to the world. There the 
mothers in our Israel prayed and toiled for the reign of right- 
eousness. They wrought in cheerfulness, intelligence and 
hope. An absent member in 1S18 sent her contribution in a 
paper whereon was written the following sprightly and 
(graceful lines : 

"Go, fifty cents, woulJ you wei-e mo-'e 

And thousands were your nan: e, 
Then you might reach some distant shirj 

And spread a Saviour's name. 
But yonder Ocean's made of drops 

And particles of sand, or snow 



36 Br.CENTENNlAL ADDRES& 

Can swell the lofty mountain tops 

Of Ancles towering brow. 
The Lord can multiply your power 

More than the intrinsic worth, 
Go : do some good each pasdng hour ; 

Go ; help to bless the earth. 
Go ; join your sister currents round 

And mingle as you flow. 
Go ; help to heal the bleeding wound, 

And sooth the breast of woe." 

In Bridge-Hampton, as generally all over cbristendom, the 
women flir outnumbered the men in the church. In obe- 
dience, in zeal, in spiritualit}^, in devotion they excelled. 
When on a fast day, Aug. 23, 17S7, the members present re- 
newed their covenant, Woolworth records the names of 
eleven male members only, and adds "there were a few other 
male members of church who were not present at this time." 
When on the iOth of June, ISOO, the covenant was renewed, 
14 other men appear to have covenanted, and 20 females the 
like. — (Note G, see appendix.) 

REVIVALS OF EELIGION. 

As no church records prior to 17S7 are extant, all accounts 
of prior revivals of religion rest on other sources. Such re- 
vivals were, it is believed, almost unknown previous to the 
years 1741 and 1742, when occured a general and powerful 
revival or religion, believed to be the first in this place. 
There was at this time a general and great awakening all 
over New England extending to Long Island. From the ac- 
tive agency of Mr. Davenport in this work, it has sometimes 
been called Davenport's Revival. Multitudes were converted. 
In the early days of some of the oldest persons living, tlie 
subjects of that work of Divine Grace described with the 
fervor of unforgetting love the scenes of this rare season. 
Tradition long preserved the story of the converts of that 
dav. The vene'-able WJjite was in iiis 70th vear and witiiin 



BLCENTJUNNTAL ADDRESS. JT 

some six or seven years of the close of his ministry. There 
were exhibitions of excitement, of enthusiasm, of a zeal mis- 
guided and mistaken which called down his disapproval, 
marred his enjoyment and peace and a separation which prob- 
ably led to his resignation and the appointment of his suc- 
cessor in the ministry, 

REVIVALS. 

In 17G1: occurred the next general revival of religion. It 
was a work of great power. Tiierc v^^ere many converts, and 
with few exceptions they remained steadflist in the faith. 
The enduring test of time has set the seal of truth to this as 
a genuine work of God. On one occasion sixty were added 
to the churcli. The young converts of this precious season 
kept alive the coals on God's Altars during the long twelve 
years from 177-5 to 17S7, when this church was without a 
settled pastor. In this radiant light of Heaven, Minister 
Brown overcoming the natural despondency of temper and 
soul, felt the shining of the sun of righteousness. For more 
than iQn years it encouraged him in the work which finally 
in despondency he relinquished. 

In 17S5 occurred another season of spiritual refreshing- 
when many were converted. This has been sometimes called 
Mr. Fordham's revival for the reason that he officiated as a 
temporary supply for the pulpit at that time. It is believed 
that few persons were then added to the church for the 
reason that at this time there was no settled pastor, and so 
runs the traditions of that tim?. 

Another and well-known cause was the singular and pre- 
vailing aversion to union with the church. Over one hun- 
dred years ago and lasting down to within less than twenty- 
five years, there were in this and adjoining parishes very 
many heads of families exemplary in life, sound in doctrine 
devout in demeanor, searchers of the Scriptures, constant in 



28 BI-CENTENNIAL ADD^mS-S.: 

attendance on the public worship, prayerful in tlieir house- 
hold, hoping always for God's mercy in Jesus Christ, zeal- 
ous and even jealous for the faith of the Gospel, and with all 
this never uniting with Christ's visible church. Sometimes 
it is believed the number of non-church male professing 
christians nearly equalled the nutiiber of the like who were 
members. It is now simply amazing to think of this most 
discouraging and disastrous state of things as then generally 
existing, and locally here more largely than elsewhere. Pos- 
sibly, nay probably, the unhappy separation of the new lights 
perplexed and confounded young converts. It could not be 
other than a stumbling block. It will thus seem more clear 
why the number of converts often doubled the number of 
accessions to the church. — (Note 7, see appendix.) 

In the fifteen years from 17S5 to 1800 forty were added to 
the church. The next season of reviving occurred in the 
latter part of the year 1799, extending into the year 1800, 
usually called the Great Revival of 1800. New Year's day 
of that year "was signalized by the powerful operations of 
the Holy Spirit. Some were liberated from their bondage of 
sin ; others were more deeply impressed than before. "Many 
were newly awakened." Dr. Woolwortli wrote (in a sermon 
preached near the close of his life,) "The cloud of Divine in- 
fluence completely overshadowed the congregation, and the 
rain of righteousness copiously distilled in every part. The 
arm of the Lord was revealed, and who did not recognize and 
acknowledge the power ? The events of that memoriable 
season are distinctly within the recollection of many yet 
living; when under the influence of the Holy Ghost this 
house for three successive weeks was every evening crowded 
with hearers solemn as the grave, and listening as for their 
lives to the message of Salvation. In the course of a few 
months, more than one hundred and thirty indulged hope of 
having passed from death unto life." In the year 1807 some 



BT-CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 29 

were hopelally converted. In ISOS several young ladies 
were seriously impressed. In 1S09 the revival became gen- 
eral and every part of the Parish shared in the blessings of 
Salvation. Many youthful persons and some of middle age 
made profession of their faith and were gathered into the 
church. 

In the winter of ISIG some mercy drops fell on this Parish 
and nearly thirty rejoiced in hope of reconciliation with God. 
This revival was not as extensive or general as the two pre- 
vious seasons. The work was chiefly wrought in the north 
and west districts; it was the last occurring during the 
ministry of the lamented Woolwurth. 

In the year 18-22 anothei outpouring of the spirit occurred 
and many, cliiefly young people were converted. It was a 
sweet, interesting and pleasing work of Grace. Ac this time 
Mr. St. John was preaching as a stated supply, and as a con- 
sequence this has sometimes been denominated as Mr. St. 
John's revival. The writer cannot withiiold his condemna- 
tion of such forms of reference to God's Reviving Grace as 
attributes the Divine work to any mere man. 

In 1 S3 1 the ministers in this and adjoining Parishes re- 
solved to hold meetings in August, for four successive days, 
ill their respective churches. The meetings were holden and 
called "Four days meetings." The results were astonishing. 
The long prevailing paralysis of the church was ended. The 
slumbers of inactive christians were broken. The mighty 
cry of the cliurch to God was heard. His people were re- 
vived. The impenitent were in alarm and terror. The 
agony of unforgiven souls went up in strong crying and tears 
to Jleaven. The work extended as a whirlwind all over 
these Northern States. In that and the following years some 
sixty persons united with this church. The converts of that 
season, vvitii ft^v exceptions, gave evidence of a genuine, 
abiding, thorough work of Grace, remaining faithful unto 



30 BI-CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 

death. The writer well remembers those impressive ancJ 
even awful meetings — awful as exhibiting God's condemna- 
tion of sin. There Nettleton appalled the sinner with such 
flaming views of God. There father Jonathan Huntting be- 
sought tlie sinner to have mercy on himself. There Beers 
and Pillsbury warned the sinner of coming doom. There 
Francis held up the flaming letters of God's righteous Law. 
There the seraphic Joseph D. Condit showed to the sinner a 
Christ too lovely and pure to allow the presence of a sinner 
unrepentant, too gracious to reject tlie returning repenting' 
wanderer. This is the unforgotten year of God, enduring on 
earth, in the Records of the church, unfading in the annals of 
Heaven. 

Another season of reviving occurred in 1842. A mucli 
larger number of middle aged people were converted than in 
183 1, many of whom had passed unmoved through former 
periods of awakening. Nearly seventy persons, subjects of 
this work, united thereafter with the church. The last two 
revivals occurred during the ministry of the sainted Francis. 
He writes, March 20th, 1842: "Tlie individuals previously 
examined were this day admitted to the communion of the 
church, no objection having been made to them. The num- 
ber thus admitted was 30, among them were six husbands 
with their wives • twenty-four heads of families and one en- 
tire family."' 

From (742, when under the preaching of Davenport, oc- 
curred the first named great revival, to 1842, the time of oc- 
currence of the last, a century had fled. Nine seasons of 
God's special reviving grace have been noticed. They were 
occasions when peace, power and numbers augnjented the 
church. Within the memory of many living the revival 
seasons of 1S50, 1S58, 1S59, ISG3, 1860, 1SG9, 1874, 1877 
and 1883 are too recent to be forgotten or to be in danger of 
the wave of oblivion. — (See Note.) There have occurred 



BLCENTENNTAL ADDRESS. 31 

special seasons in remote and later ages, vvlien tiie Holy 
Spirit has been graciously shed abroad ; when men seemed 
called to stand still and see the salvation of God. 

"So sometimes comes to sonl aud souso 
The feeling whicli is evideu ce 
That very near about us. lies 
The realm of Spiritual mysteries. 
The sphere of the supernal powers 
Impinges on this world of ours. 
The low and dark horizon lifts ; 
To light the scenic terror shifts ; 
The breath of a diviner air 
Blows down the answer ©f a prayer : 
That all our sorrow, pain and doubt, 
A great compassion clasps about ; 
Aud law aud goodness, love aud force, 
Are wedded fast beyond divorce. 
Then Duty leaves to Love its task, 
The beggar, self forgets to ask ; 
With smile of trust and folded hands 
The passive soul in waiting stands 
To feel, as flowers the sun and dew, 
The one true life its own renew." 

Alexander Wilmot, born J 709, died 1744, graduate of Yale 
1734,, ordained pastor at Jamaica, Ij. I., April 12, 1738, is 
said to have been a native of Bridge-Hampton — vid. Howell's 
Hist. p. 305. The Rev. Herman Halsey of East Wilson, in 
Niagara Co., N. Y., born July, 1793, oldest living graduate 
of Williams College , the Rev. Samuel Howell, son of Wal- 
ter ; the Rev. Wm. H. Lester, pastor of Presbyterian Church 
in West Alexandria, Penn., are claimed as natives of Bridoe- 
Hampton. Rev. Wm. Hedges, pastor of the Congregational 
Church in Jamesport, L. I., resided here some years before 
entering the ministry. Whether otheis have gone from here 
as ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ is not known. 



32 BI-CENTENiYIAL ADDRESS. 

TEMPERANCE. 

At a meeting of the session, Nov. 28, 1 SI ], the recom- 
mendation of the Presbytery to the churches under their care^ 
" Not to treat their Christian brethren or others with ardent 
spirits as a part of hospitality in friendly visits," was consid- 
ered and " expressed their approbation of tlie same as a suit- 
able means of discouraging that excessive use of such liquors 
which they are convinced is doing incalculable mischief in 
society, whilst they declare their readiness and resolution for 
themselves to conibrm to said recommendation ; thev also 
recommend it to all the members of the Church to do the 
same, and by their example and exertions in all other suita- 
ble ways endeavor to prevent the progress, and, if possible^ 
destroy the existence of this species of intemperance. On the 
Lord's Day following, the above recommendation of the 
Presbytery, and what the session iiad done upt>n the subject^ 
were laid before the whole church, who voted as follows : 
"That we approve of the measure recommended, and will for 
ourselves conform to it, and use our influence to induce 
others to do the same." This Letter of the Presbytery to the 
churches, Woolworth drnfted. flis voice was earliest and 
decided against intemperance. All his successors, and with 
few exceptions, the church have held resolutely advanced 
ground agninst intemperance and its unhallovkcd allies. 

The second ciiurch built in 17^37, standing 105 years, re- 
membered leverently by the oldest worshippers, has there- 
with associated great historic interest. It had no tower, no 
spire, no bell. It was a barn in outline, without worn by 
the elements, unpaintea, ungraceful ; yet consecrated by the 
most thrilling scenes and the grandest events. Therein, in 
1741, Gilbert Tennent had blown the trump of the Gospel 
in power. Therein, in 17G4, George Whitfield preaching 
from Jude 21st verse : "Keep yourselves in the love of God," 
had made the spirit world setm real. There, in the later, riper 



BI-CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 33 

ten years of concluding life, Minister White lifted his aged 
hands to bless this people. Therein Minister Brown during 
all the years of his active ministry, faithfully expounded the 
truth. There for a generation Woolworth, animated, learned, 
logical, reasoned of "Righteousness, Temperance and Judg- 
ment to come." There, for a score of years Francis, serene, 
studious, fervent, devout with a fidelity equalled only by his 
great love, impressed the truths of Revelation on this people. 
The walls of this unadorned church of God witnessed the 
ordination vows of the last named three. The funeral ser- 
mons of the venerable White, the desponding, but faithful 
Brown, the animated and logical Woolworth, all were spoken 
under that o'erhanging sounding board in that high pulpit in 
this old church. Wenderful revivals of God's presence and 
power had here been displayed. Nine times had the Al- 
mighty "bowed the Heavens and came down." The feet of 
three generations and more had moved to its doors. The 
songs of three generations therein had praised God. The 
penitential cry of three generations "God be merciful to me 
a sinner" therein had risen. In the presence of God and 
men and angels three generations had solemnly there avouched 
and covenanted the Lord to be their Saviour. Hallowed by 
the memories of one hundred years ; by the public worship of 
the long loved and lost, by the prayerful echo of voices un- 
forgotten, although long silent; this church was the embodi- 
ment of all that memory holds dear, that hope holds bright, 
and faith holds precious. At Woolworth's settlement the 
church numbered only 33, members increased in ISIS to J 79. 
During his m'nistry, including the year after his decease, 252 
had been added, and 166 had died. During the ministry of 
Francis 147 were added, 93 had died, and at his decease 177 
were in communion. When the ark of the Lord was re- 
moved from the old to the new edifice, the elder mourned 
while thinking of tlie spiritual grandeur of the ancient yet 



LofC. 



34 BI-CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 

lackino- in the modern structure. When Minister Francis 
was ordained the last sublime notes of the choir were : 

" Arise, O, King of grace arise, 
And enter to thy rest ; 
Lo thy church waits with loaging eyes, 
Thiis to be owned and blest." 

In the sentiment of that song, with all the younger people 
he longed for a temple more meet for the worship of Jehovah. 
Graciously he was permitted to assist in dedicating this 
church to God. For a few months he blew the bugle notes 
of the gospel's alarm, and then his voice was heard no 
more. The trumpet that fell from his hand was caught by 
his gifted successor, who saw throngs responding to the gos- 
pel's call. When Edgar removed with the heartfelt regret of 
many friends, the more youthful Thomas M. Gray reiterated 
not without response the message of Jesus Christ. The 
twelve years ministry of the eloquent, the gifted, the learned 
Dr. Strickland were years of a higher spiritual instruction in 
righteousness. In the answers from Heaven, in the numbers 
of converts and members, in the frequency and power of 
God's reviving grace, the ancient light of the older edifice 
pales before the grander eftulgence of the new. The two 
hundred years of time marking the origin and being of this 
church, are long as measured by earthly affairs, are short in 
the eternal years of God. One more voice and witness for 
the world and the Kingdom that endureth forever. 

"Oh, where are Kings and Empires now 
Of old, that went and came ; 
But still thy church is praying yet, 
A thousand years the same 
We mark her goodly battlements. 
And her foundations strong ; 
We hear within the solemn voice 
Of her unending song." 



APPENDIX 



Note I. — Epher Whitaker, D. D., has kindly fuinishetl me with extracts from 
the record of Presbytery from which 1 find that Suffolk Presbytery was organized 
April 8th, 1747, at Southampton. The Organic Instrument was signed probably 
in the order of Age, by : 

P2benezer White, of Bridge- Hampton ; Nathaniel Mather, of Aquebogue ; Eben- 
ezer Prime, of Huntington ; Ebenezer Gould, of Cutchogue ; Silvanus White of 
Southampton, and Samuell Buel, of East Hampton. 

April 9th, 1747. 

Delegates from the churches of East, South and Bridge-Hampton approved of 
the proceedings, and signed the same, viz : Isaac Jessup, Josiah Howell, John 
Howell, Nathaniel Huntting, Jun., Daniel Osborn and James Haines, — James 
Reeve of Mattituck, and Henry Wells, of Cutchogue then present, although not 
delegates, also concurred. 

At a meeting of the Presbytery at Huntington, Oct 2ist, 1747, "James 
Brown, A. B. of Yale College" was examined & recommended as apreacher of the. 
Gospel. At a meeting of the Presbytery in Bridge-Hampton, April 6th, 174S. 
The Presbytery advised the continuance of James Brown then there "as a proba- 
tioner" &c. At the meeting of the Presbytery in Bridge Hampton, June 14th, 
174S, the ordination of Mr. Brown was fixed for the next day & then June 15th 
took place. 

"At the conclusion of which solemnities the separates in Bridge Hampton 
were desired to appear at Capt. Job Piersons tomorrow morning at nine o'clock 
that the affairs of their separation might be inquired into and considered," June 
16 at 9 A.M. The affairs of the separation being introduced queried with the 
separates whether they were not conscious to themselves that they had in some 
points violated the rules of the Gospel in their separation ; and labored the point 
for their conviction till noon with out any evident tokens of success. Then ad- 
journed for an hour and a half ordering the separate people to attend at the expir- 
ation of the time." 

' After the adjournment pursued the same point of disorderly separation begun 
upon in the forenoon. Observed much seeming stiffness in the separates to our 
common grief notwithstanding all the arguments that were used till toward the 
close of the day, when the following confession subscribed by most of the separate 
people whose names are underwritten was obtained, viz: We, the subscribers In- 
habitants and professors of religion, in the parish and church of Bridge Hampton, 
who have separated ourselves from the ministrv of Rev. Mr. Ebenezer White in 



// APPENDIX. 

said Parish, do freely acknowledge and confess as followeth : That although ac- 
cording to the light we then had and still have, we supposed the cause of our 
separation to be just, yet as to the manner of our Separation in some respects we 
are very sensible it was not agreeable to the Rules of Christ's visible Kingdom 
and on that account we are sorry for it, and -we desire and resolve (the Grace of 
God enabling) to walk according to the rules of the gospel of Jesus Christ for the 
future. " 

Theophilus Howell, William Rogers, Stephen Jaggar, Jonah Rogers, Elias 
Cooke, John Cooke, Jun., Nathan Fordham, Samuel Howell, Anthony Ludlam, 
Joseph Rogers, Thomas Sandford, Jr., Samuel Whcaton, David Fithian, David 
Cooke, Jonathan Jaggar, Elnathan Topping. 

Mehetabel Mitchell, Anne More, Abigail Jaggar, Mary Howell, Mary Ludlam, 
Phebe Cooke, Mary Toppin, Anne Stambrow, IMehetable Cooke, Eunice Rogers, 
Phebe Rogers, Martha Gould. 

The above written confession being sulwcribed earnest and pathetic exhortations 
were given not only by the Moderator but by sundry other members as occasion 
and attendant circumstances required." 

The ne.xt day, June 17, 1748 at seven o'clock, A.M., and after prayers, "P'ormed 
a pacific & hortatory address, & left it to be read to the church & congregation of 
Bridge Hampton, recommending the acknowledgment of the separates to publick 
acceptance & also an acknowledgment made by the Rev. & aged Mr. E. White, 
their late Pastor in the following words, viz:" The unhappy contentions, divisions 
ani separations which have (for so long a time) subsisted in the Congregation 
lately under my Pastoral watch and care, I heartily lament and bewail as the 
sore and awful frown of a holy and righteous God. And being jealous of myself 
that in those times of disorder, temptation and provocation that have lately passed 
over us, I may have spoken unadvisedly with my lips of which I desire to be sen- 
sible and humbled for it. And if I have done or said anything that looks like a 
reflection upon the work of Cjod'.i Spirit and Grace, I ask forgiveness of God His 
ministers and people. Hophig that the Spirit of God has been at work amongst 
us in times past to saving purposes in some instances, thou:;h there has been much 
disor^ier and I am afraid that some persons have mistaken a false Spirit for the 
operations of the Spirit of God. And I earnestly desire that what I see not God 
would teach me, and if I have done Iniquity that he would keep me from doing so 
any more :" Bridge Hampton, June 17, 174S. 

Subscribed EBENEZER WHITE." 

At a subsequent meeting of the Presbytery at Moriches, Oct. 19th, 174S, Min- 
ister White addressed a letter to Presbytery "e.xpressing his concern on account 
of the remaining uneasiness and dissatisfaction in Bridge Hampton occasioned by 
the separates there and the too great lenity an 1 kindness wherewith (as some ap- 
prehend) the Presbytery treated them," &c. The advice given by Presbytery as 
to the subject of the letter refers to the teaching of St. Paul and concludes "That 
the powers of Government are given for edification and not for destruction."^ ^ 



APPENDTX. ITl 

At a moclini; of rrcshytciy at Smithlown, Aut,^ 9, 1759, reference is made to 
a "Dr. <:ook, of Bridge Hampton," who had "experienced a remarkable saving 
change," i&c, and applied for advice as to prosecuting studies preparatory for the 
ministry. On the loth Aug. he was advised to prosecute such studies under 
"direction and tuition of Mr. White, of Southampton, or Mr. Browne of Bridge 
Hampton, till our next Session." Nothinr more concerning Dr. Cook appears on 
the Presbyterial records or is known of him. Was he related to either Nehemiah 
B. Cook, mentioned by IVnne in Hist, of L. I., p. 134., 135 and 261 ? 

Note 2.— The original covenant of the Church and Congregation with Minister 
Woolworth for his salary and support, with his autograph and that of 123 mem- 
bers of the Society were lithographed and printed in the Centennial Address of 
H. r. Hedges, delivered in I'ridge Hampton, July 4th. 1876. 

INSCRIPTIONS ON MONUMENTS. 
Note 3. — "In Memory of the Reverend Mr. Ebenezer WHiite, Pastor of the 
Church of Christ, in Bridge Hampton, who died February 4th, 1756, in ye 84th 
year of his Age." 

" In Memory of the Rev. James Brown, Pastor of the Church of Christ, in 
Bridge Hampton, who died April 22, 1788, in the 68th year of his age." 

"In Memory of the Rev. Mr. Elisha Paine, V.D.M., who Died Aug. 26th,A.D. 
1775, /E 83, was born upon Cape Cod, and from thence with his Honored 
Father, Mr. Elisha Paine, removed to Canterbury, in Connecticut, where he 
practiced the Law as an Attor. with great approbation and fidelity until A. D. 
1742, from thence became preacher of ye Gospel and was ordained ye first minis- 
ter over ye Congregational Church of Christ in this place. May nth, A.D. 1752, 
henceforth he rests from his labours."* 

" Sacred to the Memory of the Rev. Aaron Woolworth, D.D., who departed 
this Fife April 2d, 1821, in the 58 year of his Age and the 34th of his Ministry. 
He was born at Long Meadow, Mass., October 25th, 1763, Graduated at Yale 
College in 1784, was ordained and installed Pastor of this Congregation Aug. 30th, 
1787, received the honorary degree of D.D. from Princeton College in 1809, and 
was constituted a life member of the American Bible Society by the Ladies of his 
Congregation in 181 7. Possessed of a sound active and powerful mind richly 
stored with the treasures of Literature and Science, and of a tender and benevolent 
heart, early sanctified by Divine Grace, he adorned the relations of friend, brother 
husband, parent and minister. As a christian he aimed to keep his heart with all 
diligence, and to adorn the doctrine of God his Saviour in all things. As a 
Divine he was Mighty in the Scriptures and had investigated the whole field of 
theological Science. As a preacher he was instructive, discriminating and pun- 



* On page 32 of the sketch of Southampton in History of Suftolk County is the 
erroneous statement that this record states Paine to have been " a native of Nan- 



IV 



APPENDIX. 



gent. And as a pastor he was faithful to his flock, and abounded in all the duties 
of the sacred office. His death was peaceful and happy. This stone was erected 
as a testimony of respect and affection by his Congregation." 

[Front] — -'Rev. Amzi Francis, A.M. 

[East side]— Born at West Hartford, Ct., July 31st, 1793; graduated at Middle- 
bury, 1819. Ordained and installed fourth pastor of the Presbyterian Church, at 
Bridge Hampton, April 27, 1823, Died Oct. iS, 1845, sustaining the pastoral 
relation till his death. 

[North side] — Eminently pious, laborious in duty. Endeared to his family. Be- 
loved by his people. Respected by all. His death was peaceful— happy -Tri- 
imiphant. "To DIE IS gain!" 

[South side] — Erected to the Memory of a beloved pastor by his Congregation." 
' 'The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance." 

[Front]— • -Rev. Da-vid M. Miller. 

[East side] — Bom in Elizabethtown, N. J., June 12th, 1827. Graduated at the 
New York University, 1850, and at the Theological Seminary at Princeton 1853. 
Ordained and Installed sixth pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Bridge Hamp- 
ton, April 27th, 1854. Died June 29th, 1855. 

[North side] —Early in life pious, early in his ministry he died, lamented and be- 
loved, yet in the hearts of his people he lives. Proficient in Theology — ardent in 
pigty — to preach Christ his theme, to save souls his desire, faithful in life, peaceful 
in death. "Asleep in Jesus." 

[South side] — Erected to the Memory of a beloved pastor by his Congregation. 
His record is on hi"h." 



Note 4. — Deacons and Elders — The church chose deacons only as officers until 
1 80 1. On a tombstone in Sa-^jg burying ground is this inscription : "Mr. Pere- 
grine Stanbrough Deacon in ye Parish departed this life Jan. 4th, 1 701 in ye 62 
year of his atje." This is the first deacon of which any Memorial is found. At 
the Date of May 14, 1742, mention is made of "Deacon Josiah Topping," 3d vol. 
Town Records, p. 114. This Topping sold and, it is thought, removed from 



here in 1747. ib. p. i 


34- 


James 1 


laines 


was Deacon as early as 1738 


lb. p. 


88. 


Deacons. 










when elec 


ted. 




Decease. 


Peregrine Stanbrough 


, 
















1 70 1 


losiah Topping before 








1742 




removed 




1747 


Ehiathan White 


















1771 


lames Haines before 










1738 








1779 


David Hedges 










1767 








1817 


Thomas Topping 














removed 






Maltby Gelston 


















1785 


Kbenezer White 










17S7 








)802 


Benjamin Sandford 










1S02 








1824 


Silas White 










181S 








18:7 


Stephen Rose 










1818 








1866 


James Nickerson 










1827 




removed 




1833 


Jeremiah Haines 










1833 








187 1 


The three Whites, 


Elnathan, 


EV 


)enezer 


and Silas, 


were 


descendants 


of M 


inister 


White. 





















i:i(lcrs 
I'Lbenezer White 
David Hedges 
Jonathan Rogers 
Kzekiel Sandfonl 
Lemuel Pierson, 
Sylvanus Ilalsey 
Lewis Sandfoid 
Caleb Pierson 
William Pierson 
Abraham Topping 
Lacob Halsey 
Stephen Rose 
David Haines 
[esse WoodrufI 
Silas White 
Jeremiah Haines 
Charles W. Topping 
Henry White 
Daniel IL Haines 
Hugh Halsey 
Levi D Wright 
Richard Halsey 
Herman R. Halsey 
Charles Terbell 
Henry P. Hedges 
Henry M. Rose 
James H. Topjiing 
Josiah Rogers 



AP PEN DTK 




V 


elected 




died. 


1 80 1 




1802 


" 


Nov. 8th, 


1817 


" 


Jan. 26th, 


1819 


" 


Aug. 20, 


1811 


Jan. 1st, 1S03 


Nov. 18, 


i82r 


" " 


IVL-iy 27, 


1 85 1 


(t ( k 


Aged 84 March 4, 


1840 


June, 181 1 


.Tilly 23, 


'834 


ti t( 


July 17, 


i82<; 


" " 


April 15, 


181S 


" " 


April 10, 


1847 


it li 


Tilly 18, 


1866 


" " 


Fel). 18, 


1856 


1820 


Tune 7, 


1857 


*' 


Nov. 8, 


1827 


" 


Aug. 28, 


1871 


" 


July 30, 


1850 


June, 1843 


June 6, 


.871 


" " 


Sept. 17, 


1865 


" " 


May 29, 


1S58 


a a 


March 23, 


1S73 


'* tt 


August 16, 


1882 



Nov. 1856. 
June 2, 1867 
April II, 1869. 



Note 5. — Confession op- Jesse Woodruff. — 
Dear Brethren : 

I have long and unwarrantably deserted your communion and fellowship. I have 
for thirteen years totally neglected the public means of grace, and absented myself 
from the sanctuary. I have lost the sense of God's favor, and have walked in dark- 
ness of soul, without any prospect of comfort in this world or any hope for the next. 
I have settled down in the conviction that I was never regenerated and that my day 
of grace is passed. I have wondered at the forbearance of God toward so unworthy 
and sinful a creature as I feel myself to be. I no less wonder that the church has 
not long since cut me off from membership with them. 

But now brethren, as nothing is too hard for God, it may be that he will renew 
me unto repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. That he would do so, I earnestly 
solicit an interest in your prayers. My days are almost numbered and soon I must 
go the way of all the earth. For the first time in thirteen years, possibly for the 
last time on earth, I purpose tn sit down with you at the Lord's table on the next 
sacramental occasion. Brethren, I thank you for your forbearance. I ask your 
forgiveness in so long and so unwarrantably absenting myself from the sanctuary 
and the Lord's table. I request you to pray for me that the Lord our Covenant 
(iod would ir. his faithfulness lift upon me the light of his countenance, and crive 



7/ A PPENT)TX. 

me peace -that God "our refuge and strength" would recover to me the strength I 
need before I "go hence and be no more." 

In respect and love, l am, dear friends, your aged and 
deeply sorrowing friend and fellow member, 
Sept. 4th, 1851. ' [Sd] JESSE WOODRUFF. 

Note 6.— The names of the eleven are "Deacon David Hedges, Deacon Eben- 
ezer White, now lately chosen to office, Zebulon Pierson, David Woodruff, Stephen 
Pierson, Silas Woodruff, Nathan Norris, Joel Sanford, Sylvanus Peirson, Silas 
White, William Titus." 

The names are : Aaron Woolworth, the pastor, Stephen Peirson, Zebulon Peir- 
son, Silas White, John White, Daniel Woodruff, Silas White, Jr., Stephen Haines, 
Elias Jones, Lewis Sandford, Topping Cook, Abraham Peirson, Edward Topping, 
Daniel Sanford, Theophilus Peirson, the widow Hill, the widow Hildreth, wife of 
Mr. Woolworth, wife of Stephen Howell, wife of Edward Topping, wife of Stephen 
Cook, widow Mary Rodgers, wife of Stephen Hains, wife of Abraham Pierson, 
wife of James Woodruff, wife of James Mitchell, wife of John White, wife of Hen- 
ry Topping, wife of Dan Woodruff, wife of Benj. Sandford, wife of Caleb Corwithy, 
wife of Jer. Sandford, wife of Lewis Sandford, wife of Wm. Halsey, Miss Topping 
Cook, Miss Achsah Hill, Abigail Woodruff, Clara Halsey, Sally Halsey, Rachel 
White, widow Halsey. 



Note 7.— In the publishgd account of the revival of 1799-1800. in Bridge- 
Hampton, in a note p. 133, Woolworth writes : "N. B. It may justly seem strange 
that in the above account there is so great a disproportion between the number 
hopefully converted and those who joined the church. This it is apprehende<l 
principally arose from two considerations, viz : apprehensions of the danger of at- 
tending sacraments without assurances of sincerity, and an antinomian spirit, es- 
pecially as to the duties of church communion, both of which have been too preva- 
lent in this part of the church, but is hoped are now abating." Vid Life and writ- 
ings of Samuel Buell, D. D., page 133. 



Note 8. — By Elder Herman R. Halsey. 

MEMBERS AND ACCESSIONS TO THE CHURCH. 

17S7, church members numbered 33 — Minister Woohvortli. 

1799 added 14 18 10 added 4 

1800 " 34 i^i' " 3 

1801 " 12 1812 " 3 
1803 " 6 1814 " 2 
1809 " 84 1817 " 22 
1822 " 16 Rev. J. R. St. John. 



vn 



1823 added 4 1H33 added 8 

1824 " 6 1S35 " 4 

1825 " I 1S37 " 2 
i82"7 " I 1838 " 15 

1829 " I 1842 " 43 

1830 " I 1843 '• 4 

1831 " 46 1844 " 7 
1S32 " II 1845 " 2 

Rev. C. TI. Edt,rar. 

1846 added 26 1850 added 46 

1847 •' 4 1851 •' 5 

1848 " 3 1853 " II 
1S49 " 2 

1855 added 2— Rev. D. M. Miller. 

Rev. Thomas M. (Iray. 

1S56 added 14 1861 added 3 

1857 '• 3 1862 " 7 

1858 " 23 1863 " 67 

1859 " 31 1864 " 6 
i860 " S 186:; '• 5 

William \\ Strickland. D. 1). 

1866 added 14 1872 added 8 

1S68 " 3 1S73 " 2 

1869 " 50 1874 " 38 

1870 " 4 1S75 " 2 

1871 " ! 1876 •' 7 
1S77 added 74 — Rev. W. F. Wnillaker, supply. 

187S added 5— Rev. Wm. P. Strickland, D. I). 

1S79, S ; 18S0, 3 ; 18S1, 3 ; — Rev. Samuel Dodd, supply. 

1882 added 2 — Supply by Schaff, Frissel and Ilawley. 

1883, 19 ; 1884, II ; 1S85. 9; 18S6, to Sept. 10, 10. — Rev. Arthur Newman. 

DATE OV REVIVALS. 

174T-2, 1764, 1785, 1796, iSoo, 1809, 1817, 1822. 1831, 1S42, 1S46, 1S50, 

1863, 1869, 1S74, 1 87 7, 1883. 

From the foregoing figures it will be seen that accessions to the church have 
been largely the fruit of revivals. The converts usually united with the church in 

one or more succeeding years. Many converts of 1800 did not unite with the 
church until 1809. or even subsequently. The like occurred after 183 I. 

The converts of 1S31 included a large portion of the young people who had been 
faithfully instructed in Sabbath School and Bible classes, conducted in the several 
school districts by the Rew Mr. Francis. Some of the converts of 1 83 1 came in 
church in 1S32 and 1S33. 



brightuBss of ths Urmamsnt ; 



THE 

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 

IN 



w^ Tmi !£ 



IB61«HA 
December ist, 1886. 



Rs the stars forsuBr and eubv." 



The Presbyterian Church in Bridge-Hampton, 

1886. 



VASTOIi, 

KEY. ARTHUR XKW.MAN. 



Clerk and Trensiirer of Session, 
HERMAN i;. IIALSEY. 



ET.UJ^UiS, 

rII\RLES TERT'.ELE. JAMES 11. TOPPINtJ, IIENRA' P. IIEBOES, 

HERMAN R. IIVLSEi', JOSIAFI .ROCiERS, HENRY M. HOSE. 



TRfrsriilSS, 
EUWAKl) A. HILDRETH. ( i. CLARENCE TOPPING, ADDISON .^i. COOK. 



CU-rk and Tretiiurer of Congrrf/atlou, 

EDWARD A. 11IIA)RETII. 

CHOKISTEK. HENRY E. IIUNTTING. ORfiANlST, MISS C. LORETTA LUDLOW. 

OJprrrs in S<ihbntli SrUoot, 
HENRY M. ROSE. Superintendent. LEY! W. IIALSEY. M. \)., Asst. Snpt. 

THOMAS ,T. HAND. Librarian. W. li. T01^PIN(t, Assistanr Librarian. 

11. E. lIUNTTIN(i. Musical Director. L. R. A LDRICII. Secretary and Treasurer. 

Teachem in Sabbath Srliool, 

H. P. HEDGES. II. E. IlUNT'nNCi. N. T. POST. 

L. W. IIALSEY. Mrs. H. P. IIKiH;t:s. Mrs. H. M. HEDGES. 

Mrs. K. C. WRKUIT, Mrs. E. C. IHOIXiES, Mrs. E. F. STEPHENS. 

Mrs N. T. post. Mrs. ORLANDO IKXiERS. Mrs. WALLACE HILDRETH 

Mks. EDWIN ROGERS. Miss CHARLOTTE POSE. MiSS IlAT'lMi: P. CORWITH, 

MI^s LU<HET!A H. HAND, Mils. HARRIET HAND. Mrs. WILLIA:\I STRdNG. 

Miss MARY HILDRETH. Miss M. E. ROSE, Mrs. JAMES STHON(i. 

Miss LUCY HOWELL. Tutal menibersliii). 22i. 

Jyfidies' Heneuoleiit Socictij. 

Mrs. E. C. IlED(iES. President. Mrs. CORA IIAI.LOCK. Yiee-Presldent. 
Mrs. E. a. HILDRETH. Secretary and 'I'reasin'er. 



I). M Miller IMrniort^l Band. 

Misa M. E. ROSE, President. Miss ADELAIDE P.. HUNTTIN<J. Secretary. 



I.iidies' Missionari) Soeidy, 

Mrs. N. T. post, President. .Mits. E. C. HEDGES, Sec'y. Mr.s. P. i;. REILLY. Tr.'ai- 



RESIDENT COMMUNICANTS. 



1S3S. 



1S43, 

1845, 
1S46, 



1S49, 
1851), 



18)6, 

185T, 
1858^ 



1859, 



Pliebc II. Ludlow, wld. Isaac- 

Mary C. Winters, wul. Luther. 

James L. Haines. 

Charles Terbell. 

Herman K. Halsey. 

Betsey Rose, w. Henry M. 

Pliebp H. Halsey, wicl. Robert. 

f'oraclia RDR-ers, wid. (jeorge. 

Ri;-liar(l Cook. 

ciarissa ,r. Haines. 

]'lii'i)(^ H. ( •ciok.. w. Ricliard. 

Haunali i'mtk. w. -Tolin Lawrence. 

Jouallian Rogers Cook. 

Thomas 11. Cooper. 

James II. Topping. 

Hem-.\- M. Rose. 

Tliomas Halsey. 

Rclhia SI rung-, w. Herman. 

Harriitt Hand. wld. Thomas B. 

Jared Dayton Hedges. 

Caroline Hedges, w. J. Dayton. 

Elizabeth A. Hedges, wd. HunttingM. 

Stephen D. Wood. 

Jane Wood, w. Stephen D. 

Martha Sandford, wld. Ed\vard. 

IMary C'. Rose. 

William Augustus Corwith. 

Charles Doxey. 

oriaiiilo Hand. 

IsalM'lla Francis, wid. Roger A. 

i;H/,al)<'ih II. Hand. w. Orlando. 

jMar.\- E. Strong, w. Thomas. 

Hannah I\Iaria Conklin, w. Cieorge. 

Jcruslia 1'. Savre. w. Horatio. 

Cliarlcs Hildrrlli. 

;N'vui])lias W'l'iu'ht. 

Fi-eel'jve A. Halsey. 

Helen B. itogers, w. Orlando. 

Cassandei- Vv. Hedges. 

John osborn. 

Jan<^ Osborn. w. John. 

Danii'l S. llalsiw. 

Hemy P. Hedges. 

(ilorianna Hedges, w. Henry P. 

Betsey M. Youngs, w. John F. 

Nathan T. Post. 

Margaret M. Halsey, wld. Phlletus. 

(narissa T. Hildreth. 

Charity H. Hedges, wld. Charles O. 

Mary A. Halsey, w. James M. 

Henry R. Halsey. 

Phebe E. Rogers, w. Edwin M. 

Rebecca J. White, w. Maltby R. 

Sophia P. Wright, w. Nymphas. 

Maria E. Rose. 

Mary E. Topping. 

Caroline A. Hildreth, w. George. 

Adeline C. Haines, w. Theodore F. 

Kate R. Wrlglit, wld. Nathan H. 

Flora R. Hedges, w. Cassander W. 

Maltby R. White. 

Stephen 'Popping. 



lS->9, 



1S6I). 
1SG2, 



ii^es, 



1884, 



1865, 



Janet Topping, wid. Charles Henry. 

Mai-garet ll()l)crtsan. 

Anna \V. l-'irid. w. (ieorge. 

Pheiie w. 'i\i]ipiug, w. James M. 

Mary W. sti-oiig. w. Henry. 

Joseplilne litamett, w. John. 

Elvira Sandford. [way. 

Nancy E. Hathaway, wid. Ilat lia- 

Mary A. Tiffany, wld. N. N. 

Henry H. Sandford. 

Sarah H. Ludlow, w. Jenry. 

Mary L. sclielllnger, wid. Jeremiah. 

Margaret C. Howell, w. Heni-y. 

Parnlssa L. Topping. 

Sylvauus T. Ludlow. 

Henry E. Iluntting. 

Jeremiah Ludlow. 

Oeorge W. Conklin. 

Josiali Rogers. 

Hemy L. 'I'opiiing. 

Richard 'I'yndal. 

Ed^v'ard :Nioouey. 

Robert L. Hedges. 

(ieoi-ge A. Hildreth. 

James A. Rogers. 

Edwin M. Rogers. 

David B. Bennett. 

James M. Topping. 

Henry Ludlow. 

Fanny P. Ludlow, w. W. Ilardacre. 

Harriet E. Hallock. w. ciiarles. 

Emma R. Rogers, ay. James A. 

Sarah E. Ludlow, w. James. 

Maria E. Ludlow, wld. E. Jones. 

Jane Tyndal. 

Frances M. Halsey, wid. Richard. 

Frances M. Cook, w. Alanson. 

Mary Ann Mooney, w. Edward. 

Sarah R. Hildreth, w. Wallace. 

Martha L. Tojiplug. 

Lucia H. Conklin, wid. Cornelius. 

Phebe F. Hildreth, w. Solon. 

Mary S. Edwards. 

Ellen II. Halsey, w. A. Asbury. 

Annie E. Topping, w. Albert. 

Phebe H. Post, w. Nathan T. 

Caroline H. Huntting, w. Hemy E. 

Orlando H. Rogers. 

Susan A. Corwith, wid. Silas W. 

c^aroline I.oretta Ludlow. 

Mrs. Leiitia Tyndal. 

Martha Huntting, wid. James R,. 

Elizabeth J. Jilalsey, w. Abraham. 

Henry L. VanScoy. 

Mary T. VanScoy, w. Henry L. 

Alanson Cook. 

Sarah Halsey, wid. Henry Allen. 

Margaret Edwards, w. David A. 

cieorge L, Hand. 

Hari'iet M. Hand, w. George L. 

Julia Topping, w. James U. 

Mary S. Halsey, w. Benjamin II. 



RESIDENT COMMIT^TCANTS. 



1863: 
1806, 



ISfiS, 
1S69 



ISTO, 
1ST2, 



1ST3 

1874, 



Mary G, Hiklretli. 

I'liebe R. Ifellly. wid Oapt. Reilly. 

Theodore F. Haines. 

Adelaide Amelia Cooper, w. Emmet. 

Anna R. Cook, w. Addison M. 

Charlotte Rose. 

Harriet N. Hildreth. w. Edward A. 

Emily C. Hedges, wid. Edwin. 

Frances Maria, w. John T. Halsey. 

Charles Kins. 

Antoinette strong, w. William R. 

AbraUani iUilsey. 

Frances M. llaines, wid. William C. 

Leander P. Halsey. 

Juliette Strong, w. Jacob. 

Benjamin H. Halsey. 

Harriet B. Hedges. 

Susan M. Hedges. 

Elizabeth McGulrk, w. Wm. Tyndal. 

Althea J. Haines, wid. Edgar T. 

Elizabeth C. Rogers, w. Josiah. 

David Rogers. 

Mary T. Rogers, w. David. 

Mary S. Hildreth. w. Samuel J. 

Horatio G. Sayre. 

Reuben A. Edwards. 

I.eander P. Topping. 

William Tyndal. 

Albert E. Topping. 

William R. Strong. 

Betsey Cook, wid. Hervey. 

Thomas Strong. 

Susan H. Corwith, w. Augustus. 

Joan Lefevre, w. Mr. Lefevre. 

Harriet N. Cook. 

Albert Halsey. 

Harriet Hand, wid. George. 

Mary Tyndal. w. John. 

Adelaide A. Halsey, w. Henry R. 

(ieorge Lewis Miller. 

Caroline A. Miller, v/. George L. 

(xeorge Miller. 

Sarah Miller, w. George. 

Esther Hedges. 

Henry Schenck. 

John Schenck. 

James Mooney. 

Ella P. Squires, w. Ed\vin Fordham. 

tiornelia Spencer, wid. Charles. 

Orlando Seabury. 

Frank H. Rose. 

Carrie L. Conklin, w. L. W. Halloclc. 

LucretiaH. Hand ' 

Marv 11. Topping, w. Gardiner B. 

Abby Elizaijeth Hildreth. 

Samuel J. Hildreth. 

Phebe W. Hallock, w. IVickol T. 

c;ora S. Hallock, w, Gilbert F. 

EUie K. Simons. 

Thomas Emmet Cooper. 

Sarah Bennet, w. David. 

Anna W. Ludlow, w. William. 

Harriet W. Schellinger. 

Mary Emma Edwards, wid. Thaddeus 

Sauiuel Mulford. 

Lydia Mulford. w. Samuel. 

Alice M. Rogers, w. Alfred P. 

Sarah Corwith. 

Jennie Maria Osborn. 

Florence P. Osborn. 

Nellie c. Ludlow. 

Annabelle J. Corwith. 

Lucy M. Corwith. 



1S79, 



18S1, 



1SS2, 
1883. 



, Nellie W. Hull. 
Isabelle C. Hildreth. 
Kate W. Ludlow. 

JIary K. Mulford. w. Clarence Topping 
Allen A. Halsey. 
Morgan P. Wright. 
Charles T. Ludiow. 
Harriet R. Plerson. 
Hannah E. Wright, w. S, O. Hedges. 
Laura (i. Ludlow. 
Frances E. Stevens. 
Howard S. Halsey. 
Francis McCaslln. 
Edward A. Hlld]-eth. 
Cora H. Post. 
(4race Sayre. 

Isab(,'lle s. Haines, w. Edward Halsey 
Mary Ann 'I'yndal. 
Sarah H. Austin, w. Charles King. 
Nathan H. Hand . 
Daniel D. Woodruff. 
James H. Strong. 
Levi W. Halsey. 
Tliomas J. Hand. 
James E. Hildreth. 
Hannah M. Hand. 
Floiciicc Hand, w. Dr. Halsey. 
I!ui h E. Hedges, w. O. Osborn. 
Emma s. Wood. 

Gertrude F. Coi-wlth, w. N. N. Tiffany 
Fannie H. Strong, w. (ieorge. 
Hattie P. Corwith. 
William H. Topping. 
Alice Cooper, w. Allen Halsey. 
Julia A. King, w. Edward II. 
Phebe Plerson, w. Theodore. 
Edward G. Sayre. 
]\Ie'iiclabel tiaines. 
CliarliiMc Hull. w. .John 
AdiUsiin M. Cook. 
Mary F. Hedges w. Robert L. 
( albert F. Hallock. 
Orlando J. Howell. 
Martha J. Iluntting w. T. O. Worth. 
Adrlaide I!. Iluntting. 
Sarah Kaiherine Hal.sey w. Melvln. 
Arabella Halsey w. Albert. 
John K. WiLife. 

EllzaVicth 'I'almage w. Charles. 
S. Henry Strong. 
Charles Hallock. 
Hetty M. Terbell w. Charles. 
Kate G. Lester, w. P. 'i'erry, Jr. 
Aiyra Topping, w. Leander. 
Phebe H. Topping. 
Sarah F. Edwards w. Frank. 
Irene C. Schenck w. John Schenclc. 
Lewis W. Hallock. 
Emily A. Hedges, w. Stephen. 
Pheb'e Louisa Rose. 
Frank Edwards. 
Edmund T. Strong. 
Henry A. Halsey. 
Agnes M. Halsey w. Henry A. 
Malttay G. Rose. 
Hem-y G. Hand. 
HaiTiet Sayre Euntting. 
Katie Ruppel w. Conrad Schenck. 
Lafayette Bates. 
Sophia S. Bates w. Lafayette. 
Margaret C. Halsey w. Erastus. 

Alice Eleazer. w. Eleazer. 

Annie Edwards, w. O. Seabury. 



KESTD EXT COMMrNK'ANTS. 



ISSii, diaries P. ToppiiiL;-. 

" Martl\;i Isabella, w . JoUu White. 

" Adallildreih. 

" Alice Cook Wrig-lit. 

" .Tennie .Mdrioli. 

•' ILuriet. M. I.udlow, \v. Charles T. 

■' !.iav.v T. 'Jiroiis', w. Kaiiiuud. 

1SS4. Emily T. Aldricli. w. Leonard R. 

" Leonard H. Altlrleh. 

" Annie AleCarter Topping', w. Stephen 

" Doyle Sweeney. 

'■' Emily Maria iials(\v. v. Abraham. Jr. 

" Mary 1 .( iret ta SI r( u'ik-. \v. James. 

■• Kittle ."Madeline llalloek. 

" Ella Cook. 

•' Kittle Frances Haines. 

•' Abraham Ilalsev. 

1885, Mrs. H..\I. Hallock. w. Capt.II. llalloek 

" Herman strong Halloek. 

" Lena Kuppel. 

" John Ruppel. 

" Mary Sayre Hildreth. 



ISS"). Frank R. Wortliins'ton. 

Ernest ('. Loper. 

Jonathan E. I'.ennet. 
18SG, Mary t:ii/al)etli Mooney. 

.\iiiile r.i'hler, Av. llem'y S(iuires. 

i:-iiiel M:i|isi|-, w. I'elcr 

i.iMiisa ( 'I'eeha Sa\"re. 

Mai-,\ .la'.ie Uedyes, \v. Ellas. 

Minnie Hand. 

Jtaidel XelH(m Edwards. 

ISatlian osliorn Iledj^es. 

Theresa Miller Hedo'es, w. Nathan. 

Frank lle(ti;e.s Hand. 

Lucy Ciii-win llowadl. 

Hannali ;\Ia\' Ilalsey. 

Ltdn i;. sin.inq-. 

Edward i:ils\vortli Hed.g-es. 

-lennie Anieli;i lledoes,' w. E. E. 

Hannah (Jritlin, w. Baldwin Cook. 

l!:rnest Linwood Field. 

Christina Jonson. 



lU 1/ Ba=J4- 



I 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



014 222 236 ft 



